Newcomers' Handbook 2018-2019 - American Overseas School of Rome
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Parent -Teacher Organization (PTO)
Newcomers’
Handbook
2018-2019American Overseas school of Rome Parent-Teacher Organization
Newcomers’ Handbook
© AOSR PTO
Via Cassia, 811 • 00189 Rome
Phone 06.334381 • Fax 06.33262608
DISCLAIMER: The AOSR PTO offers this booklet as a reference and first-step guide for parents unfamiliar with Rome and
AOSR. We intend the information as a supplement to, not a replacement for, the AOSR Parent/Student Handbook and other
official rules and regulations of the school, PTO, and government organizations. References made to books, businesses, web
addresses, or procedures are not intended to be all-inclusive endorsements, but rather, are offered as examples of the types of
information and services available to families who have recently moved to Rome.
1Table of Contents
TO
A Word of Welcome from the P 4
Emergency Numbers 5
Chapter 1 The School 6
The AOSR Website, Facebook & Instagram 6
Access to School and Parking Rules 6
AOSR School Buses 7
Lost and Found 8
The Bar and The Cafeteria 8
After School Activities 9
Chapter 2 The PTO 10
The Booster Bar 10
The Boutique 10
Mayfair Festival 10
Parent Liaisons 11
Family Picnic 12
Holiday Bazaar 12
Chapter 3 Living in Italy 13
Paper Work 13
Language Acquisition 14
Cell Phones 14
Telephone and Internet Set Up 14
Recommended Reading 15
Internet Resources: 16
Finding An Apartment 17
Areas of Rome 17
Security 18
Shops 19
Pharmacy (Farmacia) 20
Eating Out 21
Transportation 21
Public Bus, Tram and Train 21
Driving in Rome 21
Helping Your House 22
Electricity/Appliances 22
VCR, TV ,DVD 22
Dryers (Asciugatrice) 22
Calcare/Lime Scale 22
2Mommy, how do you say notebook in Italian? 23
Library Resources 23
AOSR High School and Elementary
School Libraries 24
St Patrick’s Lending Library 24
The British Council 24
Other Libraries and Resources 24
Bookstores 24
Board of Trustees 25
Board of Trustees Committees 26
3A WORD OF WELCOME FROM THE PTO
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at the American Overseas
School of Rome (AOSR) extends a warm welcome to all newcomers to our
school!
The PTO is a non-profit organization, with membership open to all
AOSR families and faculty. Our main purpose is to provide an opportunity
for parents to get involved in supporting school-wide events and activities.
We work together, along with teachers and the school’s administration to
provide support for student programs, social activities and fundraising
events.
The PTO designs its activities and events to enhance the educational
experience of all our students. We invite you to join us as we work together
to enrich the education of our students and strengthen the connection
between school and home. We depend on you as a volunteer to make
these events a success.
This handbook has been put together to provide you with basic
information to ease your transition to AOSR and to Rome. The ancient city
of Rome has been a delight and inspiration to travelers and tourists for
centuries.
We have also inserted a check-box (◻) for you in sections of this
booklet that we think require special attention and possible action.
Rome is waiting! We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to
getting to know you better as a member of the AOSR community.
Welcome! Benvenuti!
Best regards,
The AOSR Parent-Teacher Organization
pto@aosr.org
4Emergency Numbers
Pronto Soccorso (Ambulances), Carabinieri (State Police) and
Polizia (Police- General Emergency) 112
Vigili Urbani (City police-Accidents) 06 67691
Taxi Service: Call any of these 06 6645, 06 4994, 06 3570, 06 5551
Hospital Closest to School
Villa San Pietro, Via Cassia 600 tel 06 33581
Bambino Gesù (Pediatric hospital with Emergency Room)
Piazza S.Onofrio 4 tel 06 68591
Policlinico Gemelli
Largo A. Gemelli 8 tel 06 30151
AOSR Main Office tel (+39) 06 334 38300
www.roma-o-matic.com English version, lists many emergency numbers and other information
on Rome.
Another good source of information is the Welcome Neighbor site:
http://wnrome-homepage.blogspot.com/
5Chapter 1
The School
AOSR welcomes you to take a look at the programs and activities available to students and
where you can find a way to participate…
The AOSR Website, Facebook, and Instagram
Like a one-stop shop for AOSR information, our website at www.aosr.org offers the
opportunity for you to find answers to a variety of questions, plus keep up with all of the latest school
events. You’ll be able to search for grade-specific school supply lists, keep up with the Calendar of
Events, and access the school lunch menus. Parents and students can log in to password protected
sections that list class schedules, report cards and teacher-posted assignment schedules. Facebook and
Instagram are other locations to keep up with school events. Facebook and Instagram - aosr.rome.
Access to School and Parking Rules
Parents may enter the school campus to accompany their child(ren), and must wear their
lanyard and parent ID at all times. All other visitors must be authorized by the Administration during the
school day and must wear a lanyard and visitor pass. Visitor passes may be obtained at the gate by
showing a valid ID to the gatekeepers during working hours.
If you come by car, please note the current rules that are in place both for safety and security:
Morning
● before 9:00 am entrance is permitted by the north gate (nearer to the field) and exit is by the
south gate.
● after 9:00 am the north gate is closed, entrance is by the new gate ONLY and exit by the south
gate ONLY.
Afternoon
● before 15:00 entrance is permitted by the south gate
● after 15:00 entrance is NOT permitted until the departure of all school buses at approximately
15:35
Parking is permitted in the parking lot in front of the school, along the fence borders. Note that the
spaces closest to the building are generally reserved for school buses. Additional parking will be made
available during special events.
Please Note: Only AOSR personnel are permitted to enter and park along the side of the
school (next to Elementary School Wing) and in between the HS building and the quad. The area
behind the cafeteria is a pedestrian only zone.
6AOSR School Buses
The AOSR school bus system is probably more complex and diversified than those most parents
may be accustomed to in their home countries, particularly the United States. The system not only
transports children from city areas near the school, but also from distant suburban areas that can be
reached mainly by driving on the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), the busy beltway or ring road that
surrounds Rome. The routes of the buses are established to cover the areas where the families reside.
Each year, some variations are made to each route to include new families. The Bus Coordinator attempts
to minimize traveling time for children and to achieve arrival times between 8:15 and 8:45. Parents are
expected to have their children at their bus stops a few minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
Upon arrival in the morning, bus monitors bring the very small children from their buses to the
established areas. At dismissal, they bring the same children from their classrooms to the buses. Parents
are expected to meet their elementary children at the designated bus stops. Bus drivers have been
instructed not to leave children at stops if not met by a designated adult: the child is taken back to school
and a school administrator contacts the parent. Sometimes heavy traffic, an accident, a public bus strike
or a demonstration, may cause lengthy bus delays. Each driver and monitor carries a cellular phone and
may be contacted. Children may only take the buses that are assigned; parent requests to switch buses
will not be honored. Drivers do not leave school without having all the children on board.
PARENTS MUST NOTIFY BUS COORDINATOR AND DRIVERS IN ADVANCE
OF ANY CHANGES IN THE STUDENTS’ BUS SCHEDULE such as if the child will not take the
bus to school the following day or return home after school. For any changes regarding the bus service
parents must inform the school in writing by sending an e-mail to buschanges@aosr.org, by 14:00 pm the
day before for changes regarding the next morning, and by 14:00 pm the same day for afternoon changes.
TEACHERS MUST BE INFORMED of any absence or change in dismissal arrangements as well, and
should be CC in the bus changes email. A written notice is required by law if the student is a minor.
An automatic response will be sent as your assurance that the bus coordinator has received this
information.
Administrators supervise children at dismissal time and are responsible for discipline. To ensure
the follow-up of inappropriate behavior on the buses, infractions are reported to the School Coordinators
or to the Principal, depending on the grade of the student. The bus rules may be found in the AOSR
Parent/Student Handbook and parents are to review the rules with their children.
A good number of buses take children home from the After School Activities. Children must be
enrolled in a supervised After School Activities program and in grade 4 or higher to use these late buses.
Children under grade 4 may ride if an older sibling rides with them.
A new law regarding the formal authorization for children under 14 years of age to leave school
after school hours was enacted at the end of the last academic year. In order to comply with this new law,
parents (or guardians) are asked to complete an authorization form for students attending school under
the age of 14, and send a signed copy to the registrar at registrar@aosr.org.
AOSR School Bus Coordinator-Mr Kieran Canter, Office: 06.334.38.372 Cell: 338.141.8668 Email:
kcanter@aosr.org
Bus Changes - buschanges@aosr.org
Secretary – Ms. Manuela Ciocca, Office: 06.334.38300 –Email: mciocca@aosr.org
Elementary Secretary - Ms. Pamela Porreca, Office: 06.334.38395 - Email: esoffice@aosr.org
Secondary School Secretary - Ms. Lucia Agresta, Office: 06.334.38326 - Email: lagresta@aosr.org
7Lost and Found
Misplaced items collected on campus are deposited in an area outside the Elementary Principal’s
Office. Items are displayed there until claimed or at winter break and at the end of the year unclaimed
items are donated to charities. You or your child(ren) may also check the backpack/coat racks near their
classrooms for lost jackets, etc.
The AOSR Coffee Bar and Cafeteria
The Coffee Bar
Located next to the cafeteria on the lower ground floor of the High School building, the AOSR
Coffee Bar is a popular meeting point, and a great place to make new acquaintances. The Bar offers all
sorts of coffee drinks, cappuccino, juice, pastries, panini, pizza, on some days- sushi, and healthy snacks
at lower prices than you might find in other bars in the neighborhood. The emphasis of the food sales is
on providing healthy snacks to the High School and Middle School Student Body, therefore no candy or
sugary sodas are sold. Elementary school students are NOT permitted to buy food at the bar during the
school day; however, they can visit the bar during the half hour before and after school when
accompanied by their parents.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8:15 am to 14:30 and 15:00 to 16:00
Friday: 8:15 am to 14:30
The Cafeteria
Hot Lunches
◻ The school cafeteria runs a full-service lunch line that caters to students, faculty and
staff. Parents are welcome to eat lunch there on occasion. Requests from parents to eat lunch in the
cafeteria should be coordinated through your child’s teacher.
◻ The cafeteria is open for lunch from 11:30 am till 14:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Students have approximately 35 minutes for lunch and seating is scheduled according to grade level.
Lunch costs are not included in the Tuition Fees but are complimentary for students in Pre-K
through Grade 3. Starting at Grade 4, lunch is à la carte and the students have prepaid accounts. Student
lunch accounts are to be paid directly to the caterer either at the school bar or cafeteria cashier. AOSR
does not accept payment on behalf of the caterer.
Bagged or Boxed Lunches from Home
Students may bring a bag lunch from home to eat during their scheduled lunch time. Please note
that classrooms are not equipped with refrigerators, therefore student lunches must be kept in backpacks
until the class departs for the cafeteria.
8After School Activities
◻ The fter School Activities – Athletics Program (ASA) program features a variety
A
of instruction to satisfy the extra-curricular needs and interests of all AOSR students from all grade
levels. Sports such as tennis, gymnastics, and soccer are offered for elementary and middle school
students; in addition, students may choose from a wealth of other offerings, including cooking, robotics,
chess, and many fine arts, including private music lessons for many instruments.
Two separate sessions span the school year: Session 1 starts in late September and ends in
January. Session 2 starts in January and ends in May. All activities are meant for boys and girls, and are
held between 15:30 and 17:00 pm. Late (17:15) buses are scheduled to run during each ASA session.
The late bus schedule is usually finalized by mid-September (see above AOSR Bus System). The ASA
Coordinator is Mr. Rafael Suarez, and his office is open every day from 15:30 to 17:00, tel 06.334.38.320
- email: asa@aosr.org or rsuarez@aosr.org.
9Chapter 2 PTO
Activities and Fundraisers
The PTO designs its activities and events to enhance the educational experience of all our students. The
programs listed are the PTO’s flagship programs offered every year, as we also introduce new initiatives:
The Booster Bar
The Booster Bar is a PTO-sponsored barbeque and drink bar, which offers juicy grilled
hamburgers, veggie burgers and sizzling hot dogs, along with beverages and candy for sale. Prices range
from 50 cents to 4 euro. Volunteers staff the Booster Bar every Friday (unless otherwise indicated) from
14:30 until 16:30. Located adjacent to the corridor outside the gym, it is the place to go to have an
after-school snack, hang out, and meet friends. The effort and time put into this weekly fundraiser serves
to provide additional resources for many departments and school activities toward the purchase of sports
uniforms, theatre props, and more. An activity group can sponsor a Friday Booster Bar, assisting with
set-up, sales, and cleanup in an effort to earn a portion of the net profits. Friday Booster Bars have
become very popular with students, staff, faculty and parents. Contact the Booster Bar Committee for
further information about helping out with Booster Bar events at pto@aosr.org.
The Boutique
Located on the parking lot level next to the stairs to the Elementary library, the Boutique can be a
bargain hunter’s dream. As AOSR’s very own consignment shop, the Boutique is a great place to find
new and second hand clothes in many sizes and styles, toys, household goods, books and childcare items
at extremely convenient prices. Everyone is welcome to come and shop; parents, alumni, staff, and
members of AOSR may sign up to be vendors. You set the prices on your items, then 60% of the selling
price goes to you and 40% goes to the school for PTO sponsored projects. Clothing must be clean and in
very good condition, no spots, holes or worn places. Items stay on sale for two-three months and then are
either recollected by vendors or donated to the school. At the end of the school year any unsold items are
donated to charity. Opening Hours: Tuesdays 9:30-13:00 & Fridays 14:00-16:30.
AOSR Mayfair
You will very often hear people talking about the annual Mayfair Festival since it is one of
AOSR’s major fundraising events for all people affiliated with the school. Held usually on the second
Saturday in May from 11:00 to 16:00, Mayfair blends music, stage presentations, games, and delicious
food into a carnival atmosphere on the campus of AOSR. This year’s Mayfair event will be on
Saturday, May 25.
Children are invited to join in the county fair-style games organized by the Elementary, Middle
and High Schools, while parents can feast on tasty treats offered in the International Food Court or take
10advantage of local vendors special offerings on artwork, jewelry, books and clothing. Our every popular
Booster Bar also sells its traditional hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs, alongside coffee, wine and
drinks tables, and sweets available at the Bake Sale and Candy Market.
A secondhand Book Sale attracts many customers with amazing deals on mostly
English-language books. At the School Spirit table you can indulge your taste for the AOSR Falcon logo
on T-shirts, caps, bags and sweatshirts. Meanwhile, the Raffle offers many fantastic prizes to be won at
very little cost for one ticket. There is always something for everyone and something new at Mayfair.
The purpose of all this fun becomes clear when profits from the Mayfair go to the Inspiration
Fund. This fund will be available to teachers and their classes to introduce tools, resources and
experiences that will inspire and engage our students. Perhaps it may be in the form of an artist in
residence, creative and flexible classroom furniture or new and engaging technology. Whatever form it
may take, its purpose is to inspire and engage. Teachers are able to apply for the grants twice a school
year.
Participation in the planning and execution of this big event is a great way to help the school
provide a better quality service to our children, as well as to meet new people. Contact the Mayfair
coordinator as soon as now to volunteer email - pto@aosr.org.
If you are interested in lending your talents to the celebration, contact the Mayfair Committee at
any time during school year. Just email - pto@aosr.org.
Parent Liaisons
Room parents for the Elementary School and Grade Level parents for the Middle School represent
a vital link of support and communication between teachers and parents. The objective is to strengthen
networking between parents and teachers of the same classroom/grade thereby enriching the children’s
educational experience and enhancing community spirit. The Room/Grade Level Parents take their
instructions from the teachers and either the Elementary Principal or the Middle School Coordinators,
and coordinate their efforts with the PTO Elementary and Middle School Liaisons. Depending on the
needs of the teachers, these parents help organize parent participation in class projects, field trips and
other events. They also help ensure school initiatives are well-publicized among parents in the grade
level/classroom.
Parents interested in volunteering their time by becoming a Room parent should inform their
child’s teacher.
If interested in becoming a Grade Level parent they should inform the Middle School
Coordinator at mscoordinator@aosr.org.
For the Elementary School or Middle School Liaison positions please contact a PTO Board
member or by email at pto@aosr.org.
11Family Picnic
At the beginning of the school year the Family Picnic is a great opportunity for the whole school
community to meet friends and spend some time in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The event features
musical entertainment, games and activities for children and the tasty food from the Booster Bar grill. A
highlight of the AOSR Family Picnic is the Potluck Luncheon--a table full of treats from around the
world that shows the culinary talents of the international community at AOSR. Consider volunteering for
this event. You might be ready to lend a hand for an hour or so. Contact the PTO at pto@aosr.org.
AOSR Holiday Market – November 30th
This year, kick off the holiday season with plenty of time to get your purchases wrapped and
ready to put under the tree or send back home. The AOSR campus will be filled with twinkling lights and
a variety of vendors, featuring Italian art, products, and crafts. We’ll share food, drinks, and abundant
holiday cheer for a memorable Friday evening together… and rumor has it that Santa often takes an early
detour to visit the Market!
The Holiday Market is another great event to volunteer your time. Whether you like to decorate,
sell food or wine, or help the jolly old fellow, the PTO needs your help to make this event a success.
Email the PTO at pto@aosr.org to sign-up.
12Chapter 3
Living in Italy
We hope you find these hints and tips helpful as you settle into your new city.
Paper Work
In order to stay in Italy as a foreigner, you must obtain a permesso di soggiorno
(residence permit) from your local Questura (police station) or from your place of employment, within 8
days from arrival.
You must also secure a codice fiscale (social security number/fiscal code), for all family
members, from the Agenzia delle Entrate www.agenziaentrate.it. It can take two months to obtain both
of these documents, even longer if you apply as a spouse/relative. If you are an employee of a foreign
embassy in Rome, many embassies have staff personnel who will help you with this process.
The Italian bureaucracy can be very challenging at times. Be prepared to experience delays and
misunderstandings. You will not have health insurance until your paperwork is completed, so it is
advisable to have your own insurance until the public system takes effect. However, emergency rooms
(pronto soccorso) are free if you are ill or injured in the event of an emergency.
To access the Italian Health Insurance System you must register and obtain a Tessera
Sanitaria (health insurance card) from your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale).
For EU citizens on a temporary stay, health services are guaranteed. Just present the E111
form from your country of origin.
For non EU citizens, we recommend you obtain the Tessera Sanitaria, even if you have
your own private medical insurance. To qualify you must furnish your permesso di soggiorno or just the
application. The Italian health system is mostly free or is received at a much lower price than what occurs
in the United States. You choose a doctor in the system and care is coordinated through this doctor.
Many prescriptions are free as well or lower in price (see Pharmacies/Farmacia below).
Check www.expatsinitaly.com for more information on paperwork and living in Italy in general.
13Language Acquisition
If you do not already speak Italian, learning the basics will enhance your enjoyment of
this wonderful country, and perhaps reduce some inconveniences. Prepare yourself by purchasing
beginner language books and familiarizing yourself with some essentials of the Italian language. If time
allows, courses or tapes will prove beneficial in your learning the language. There are many Italian
language schools in Rome. The Italians are wonderful, kind people who are very tolerant of people trying
to speak their language, and often they will try to help you.
Ms. Gabriella Iacovoni, who was the Coordinator of the Italian Program for many years
at AOSR, runs a language institute, the Centro Studi Cassia (Tel. 06.332.53.852 or 335.841. 3369) across
the Cassia from AOSR on Via Sesto Miglio, 16.
Cell Phones
Generally, your U.S. cell phone will not work in Italy unless it is a TRI-BAND or QUAD-BAND
phone. To use a sim card with a local phone number, your U.S. or other nation cell phone must be
unlocked. You can make international calls with a calling card, which you can purchase at a tabaccaio (a
store selling tobacco products such as cigarettes, bus/metro tickets, and stamps, recognizable by the “T”
sign outside).
There are two main ways to establish mobile phone service in Italy so you can avoid
paying international phone and data charges. Cell phone companies have two basic programs: sign up for
‘monthly minutes’ plans or purchase a prepaid phone card. Get a new cell phone with an Italian provider
or bring in your own, unlocked tri/quad band phone to one of the many major cell phone companies in
Italy: TIM, Vodafone, Wind, Tre, Iliad and Ho. To apply for a cell phone contract in Italy you will need
your codice fiscale and an ID that shows your local address in order to sign a contract. Instead of a long
term contract, you can choose a plan where you “recharge” your minutes/messages/data every four
weeks. Recharges for monthly and prepaid plans can be purchased at tabacchi shops, but are now also
available at many ATM’s. Most services can also be paid online or through an app using a credit card or
PayPal. And once you have opened an Italian bank account, you may also be able to recharge your phone
through your institution’s mobile app.
Telephone and Internet Set Up
Telecom Italia is the most established telephone company in Italy and therefore more
reliable, although not the cheapest. To sign up for a new telephone line you need:
- full name
- fiscal code
- the exact address where the line will be installed
- the type(s) of service you need (analog, ISDN, ADSL)
14They will then tell you immediately what your telephone number will be and they will make an
appointment for installation.
Apart from Telecom Italia www.telecomitalia.it (English version available), the
following Internet Providers advertise offers at convenient prices for Internet access. ADSL is still the
standard in many areas, although many neighborhoods have been upgraded to higher speed fiber internet.
- Libero www.internet.libero.it
- Tiscali www.tiscali.it
- Virgilio/Tin www.virgilio.it
Be prepared to wait 3-6 weeks for your internet connection to be finalized.
Recommended Reading
Just as researching exciting locations prior to travel makes the trip more enjoyable,
learning more about your new city and country will heighten your experience and perhaps shorten you
adjustment time. The travel section at your nearby bookstore offers a variety of books, which focus on
Italian travel (helpful for weekend and holiday trips); however, living in Italy can be a whole different
story!
For a good overall introduction to moving and living in Rome and Italy, the following books are
very helpful. We have a few copies available for loan, just ask the PTO (Welcome Committee.)
Culture Shock! Rome at Your Door , b y Frances Gendlin, 1 997 Times Editions Pte Ltd
Culture Shock! Italy: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette, b y Raymond Flower, 1 997 Graphic Arts
Publishing Co.
Living, Studying and Working in Italy, b y Neighbor and Larner, 1 998 Henry Holt & Co.
A Thousand Bells at Noon: A Roman’s Guide to the Secrets and Pleasures of his Native City, b y G.
Franco Romagnoli, 2003 Harper Perennial
Time Out Rome - Eating and Drinking Guide AND Time Out – Rome, P
enguin Books published every
two years www.timeout.com/rom
15Internet Resources:
Wanted in Rome— www.WantedInRome.com –a free web publication and monthly magazine print
which lists news, features and events of interest to the English-speaking community in Rome. It also
sponsors a free classified service including housing. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
AngloInfo – www.angloinfo.com/rome -- offers a directory of a wide variety of businesses, from auto
repair to entertainment options.
Rome Review— www.romereview.com – one of the most reliable resources to get authorized,
up-to-date show times for movies in original language in Rome.
Insiders Abroad - www.insidersabroad.com –a web directory of all English-speaking businesses in
Italy, Spain and France. Insiders Abroad sponsors a free classified service, reference information
(weights & measure conversions, national holidays, basic vocabulary and maps) as well as a photo
gallery of people and events in the US/Expatriate communities in these three countries. All can be
downloaded from the website.
Online Public Bus and Commuter Train Info in Rome— www.atac.roma.it –Rome’s public
transportation services offers and online directory, in choice of either Italian or English with
address-to-address directions, instructions on using the bus, metro and tram, to include maps and routes.
Online Train Information— www.trenitalia.it – Reservations, routes, timetables and special offers are
available on this website for Italy’s vast national train network.
Romeing – www.romeing.it -- features information about cultural events, food, nightlife, and a host of
other fascinating tidbits about Rome.
Rome Airport Information— www.adr.it --Airport arrival and departure information for Rome’s
Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
American citizens can register by request at the U. S. Embassy to be included on the e-Embassy Rome
email list to be notified about security alerts and other important information for Americans living in
Italy. Call 06-46741 or send an email to USEmbassy@lb.central.com
Facebook Pages
Many of the sites listed above also have Facebook pages; in addition, you may find the following
Facebook groups helpful:
Rome Info Closed Group
Buy, Sell, Trade – Rome, Italy
16Expats Living in Rome
Finding an Apartment
Remember that Rome wasn’t built in one day! Do not expect to find an apartment quickly if you
arrive in Rome in August. Landlords are on vacation and so are the majority of Romans.
Take advantage of the reduced traffic and congestion to enjoy the city sights and to learn
road directions to your most important destinations. Do not get used to the nearly empty streets,
however, because as soon as schools open in September, the traffic returns to its normal heavy flow, and
the city becomes more chaotic.
If you need to find an apartment/house, the weekly newspaper Porta Portese (in Italian) or
Wanted in Rome website, /www.wantedinrome.com/, (in English) lists apartments available for rent. A
website to include during your search- /www.immobiliare.it/. Key words:
Appartamento = apartment affittasi = for rent
arredato = furnished camera da letto = bedroom
bagno = bathroom giardino = garden
cucina = kitchen piano = floor
condominio = building fee salone = living room
balcone= balcony
For two or three year rental periods, the normal rental is a furnished apartment. If you have
moved all your furniture with you, please note an unfurnished apartment can mean a bare kitchen, lacking
refrigerator, cupboards, etc. Cost, as always, varies with location, and luck. Apartments located near the
school tend to be less expensive than in the center of the city (centro). See area descriptions below.
During your search, it is best to look at different locations around the city. If possible, get a
contract on the apartment to avoid any misunderstandings later. Real Estate Agencies can be of great
assistance during this process. They are experts in what to look for, contract law and agreements and may
already have relationships with the owners. But they charge a fee of one month’s rent from the tenant,
and often offer only more expensive apartments.
Areas of Rome
The following are some descriptions of areas of Rome where you may find apartments for rent:
Cassia – This is where the school is located, in north Rome. There is no metro line here, but several
different public buses stop directly in front of the school (see Transportation below). Each year there are
many families who live near the school, for the convenience of walking to and from every day.
Giustiniana/La Storta--These two areas are located farther up Via Cassia, north of the GRA/Beltway.
The properties here tend to be spacious and there are a number of large villas with private gardens in a
country setting. This area offers the advantages of a country location near the city.
17Olgiata- -This private compound, situated about 10 Km north of the school, is made up of villas with
gardens in peaceful suburban surroundings. Access to the compound is restricted and there are only two
gates with security personnel 24 hours a day. However, it takes a while to drive into Rome from this
location, especially during rush hour, and public transportation unfortunately is scarce.
Prati and Flaminio- -Prati is located behind Castel Sant’Angelo and near the Vatican. The Flaminio area
is located near Ponte Milvio. Both are on the side of river opposite from the historical center (centro),
and a bus ride or two from school.
Parioli – residential and upmarket area just across the Corso Francia bridge, at the bottom of Via Cassia.
Rents tend to be more expensive here, but usually the apartments are larger and better equipped. Many
embassies are located in this area.
Trastevere – Trastevere is a very old Roman neighborhood with many pizzerias and restaurants, bars, and
a very vibrant nightlife. It is very popular with young people and tourists. It is across the river from the
historical center, past the Vatican area, and most apartments are small with high rents.
Historical Center – The area within the Aurelian walls is referred to as the historical center (centro) . It
includes the major Rome landmarks, such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Piazza
Venezia. Rent in these areas can be extremely expensive but worthwhile for those wanting Rome at their
door. The Monti, Via Veneto, and the Esquilline Hill neighborhoods are adjacent to the historical center,
and includes the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Trevi Fountain, the Quirinal and Trajan’s Market. The
elegant Via Veneto is home to the U.S. Embassy and many expensive hotels.
Other areas – The Aventino and Testaccio are just outside the historical center, but more difficult to get
to and from AOSR. San Giovanni, Nomentana, and Monteverde are all lovely areas, but also quite a
distance from school. EUR is a modern-looking area built in Mussolini’s time for the 1942 World’s fair
which never took place. Its town centers around a large man-made lake and extensive park system. We
have many families who live there, and access AOSR directly from the GRA for a 20-45 minute drive
depending on traffic. About 45 minutes’ drive north of Rome lies Lake Bracciano with its three towns of
Bracciano, Anguillara and Trevignano. It is a very beautiful area with a large volcanic freshwater lake,
nice beaches, and a green and countrified feel. The towns of Anguillara and Bracciano are serviced by a
high speed commuter train to Rome. A stop (La Storta) is located about 2 miles north from AOSR, and
the transit to Rome centro takes about one hour . Some families choose to commute this distance because
it is quiet and peaceful, and far less expensive than living in the city.
Security
Protecting your property and ensuring your safety at home are important issues to
consider in Italy. Although Italy may be considered a much safer place in terms of violent crime, Rome
has its share of theft and property crimes. Burglary is common (including the use of sprays to induce
sleep at night) and favorite items are laptops, digital cameras, cell phones, cash and gold jewelry. It is
helpful to remember to lock windows, shutters and doors properly at night and when you will be away
from your home. In addition, police warn tourists and residents alike to beware of pickpockets in the
18Metro (subway), in crowded public areas and on city buses. Security experts recommend you keep
photocopies of important documents such as passports, drivers licenses, and credit card numbers in a safe
place at home in case you need to have them replaced or cancelled due to a theft. Should you be a victim
of theft, we advise you to make an immediate police report in order to expedite insurance claims.
Shops
Rome has small neighborhood shops to supply your every need. The following are a list of general shop
names and what they provide:
ferramenta = hardware store
alimentari = small grocery
supermercato = supermarket
latteria / bar =
dairy / coffee
fornaio / pasticceria = bakery
macellaio = butcher
cartoleria = Hallmark / office supply store
posta = post office
tabaccaio = s tamps, bus tickets, telephone cards, candy, cigarettes
farmacia = pharmacy/chemist/prescriptions
parrucchiere = h airdresser
● Shops opening hours vary according to the type of products they sell:
● Supermarkets (Sma, GS, Despar, Superfresco, Conad, Ipercoop, Carrefour, PewEx, Auchan, etc.)
usually open daily non-stop from 8:00 am till 20:00. Most are closed on Sundays, but you will
find a few exceptions to this in the larger grocery chains.
● Grandi Magazzini open nonstop from 9:00 am till 20:00., some of them are open also on
Sundays.
● Smaller shops tend to close for the lunch break (riposo) , usually from 13:00 until 15:30 or 16:00.,
and most of them are closed Monday morning (clothes, shoes, etc) or Monday all day
(hairdressers).
● Opening hours change also according to season, so be aware that if you live in a residential area
you might find that the majority of the shops close on Saturdays during the summer, particularly
in August.
19● There are Drugstore shops in Rome open 24 hours, some are located in: Rosati 2 - Via Golametto
4/a, Castellino – P.zza Venezia, Museum – via Portuense 313, Tiburtina - Stazione Tiburtina. –
EUR, via Europa.
● Many outdoor markets open mostly in the morning hours in and around Rome (Ponte Milvio and
San Giovanni --- Monday through Saturday; Villaggio Olimpico (Viale XVII Olimpiade) ---
Friday; Porta Portese --- Sunday, Via Grottarossa --- Wednesday. Prices are attractive and you
can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to kitchen and household items to clothing
and shoes. For more information click on www.inromenow.com/site
templates/FoodMarkets.html for descriptions of markets or
http://rome.angloinfo.com/information/17/markets.asp for a comprehensive listing of all markets
and days available.
● Leroy Merlin- Home and Garden giant - http://www.leroymerlin.it/- operates Mondays-Saturdays
9:00-20:30.
● IKEA- Home Furnishing giant - /www.ikea.com/it/- has two locations north and east off the
GRA. Hours are Monday to Friday: 10:00 -22:00 and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 – 20:00.
● Trony and Euronics- Electric and home appliance megastores - /www.trony.it /- and Euronics
/www.euronics.it /- also are in various locations throughout Rome and hours vary according to
location. Please check their websites for details.
● Auchan- Grocery Store to include housewares, clothing, school supplies and more (think Italy’s
Super Walmart) - /www.auchan.it/Located north of the city in Porta di Roma and is open from
9:00-22:00 everyday.
● Porta di Roma and Euroma2- Major shopping malls north and south of Rome -
/www.porta-di-roma.klepierre.it/ open everyday 10:00-22:00 and /www.euroma2.it/ open
Mondays- 10:00-22:00 and Tuesdays-Sundays 9:00-22:00.
Returning items requires the greatest of patience and detailed written data on your original
purchase. Save your receipts and all packaging of items you seek to return. Try to return them in the
best condition possible or stores might not accept them.
Pharmacy (Farmacia)
Pharmacies (Farmacia) dispense a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription or
over-the-counter drugs and remedies. Prescriptions from a doctor may be presented to be filled at the
counter. Many over-the-counter drugs must be requested from the pharmacist as well, but are available
without a prescription. Pharmacies have two different opening times according to the season:
● Monday to Friday 8:30 am until 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:30
● In the summer 8:30 am until 13:00 and 16:30 until 20:00
● Saturdays 8:30 am until 13:00
Check www.federfarmaroma.org to find out which pharmacy in your area is currently open on Sundays
or after hours.
Eating Out
20The ristorante is a place where you can have more formal meals and tends to be expensive. The
trattoria serves good food at reasonable prices unless the trattoria has become trendy. The pizzeria
offers pizzas and often a wide selection of other dishes. The paninoteca is a stand up snack bar. Bars
serve coffee, tea, and all types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If you are in the centro, you will
pay more to sit at a table and order something to drink from a waiter than if you stand up at the bar.
Transportation
Public Bus, Tram and Train
To and from AOSR: The 301 and 201 bus lines both stop at a fermata (bus stop) directly in
front of AOSR on Via Cassia. Both buses terminate their route (capolinea) at Piazza Mancini. From
there, you can catch tram 2 which travels to the center (centro) Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo) and the Red
Metro (A) Line. The 223 bus also stops in front of AOSR and travels through the Parioli district to its
capolinea near the Bioparco (Zoo) at the Villa Borghese Park.
General Transportation: If your car does not have a GPS system, a detailed section by
section road map of Rome and its surrounding towns is available at most bookstores, giornale shops and
some tabacchi stores. The initial investment of 12 euro is well worth it for the street by street map visuals
you receive. A public transportation map, Roma metro – bus pianta, is available for purchase at many
newspaper stands. For all public transportation, a 100 minute ticket (biglietto) must be stamped on the
bus/tram at the time of use. Travel around Rome can take 45 - 90 minutes. (If you do not have a
stamped ticket, you could be fined Euro 50,00). Tickets are available for purchase at most ‘Bars’,
tabaccaio stores and newsstands for €1,50. A monthly pass (tessera) is available in the first few days of
the month at the same locations for € 35, 00. A yearly pass can be purchased for € 250, 00. There are
reduced prices for students and senior citizens. More information and maps at www.atac.roma.it,
available in Italian and English, the site is very easy to use.
Driving in Rome
The city of Rome was clearly not built for modern vehicles and therefore, the narrow
winding streets, lack of organized parking, and overall congestion while driving can add up to stress.
Some suggestions to improve your experience: plan your route before you leave home and try it out on a
Sunday or during the month of August when traffic is at a minimum, don’t take Roman driving habits
personally, be aware of motor scooters (motorini) popping in and out of lanes of traffic on both sides of
your vehicle, keep a city map handy in your car, familiarize yourself with the road signs and driving
regulations in Italy, try to be as courteous as possible. Should you get into an accident, knowing where
your documents are (drivers license, registration, and proof of insurance) and what they mean will
smooth the process and prevent unnecessary fines.
21Helping Your House
Electricity/Appliances
In Italy the electrical current operates on 220 volts and a 50 Hz cycle as opposed to the
110v/60Hz in the U.S. In order to run electrical items with a different voltage set up you will need a
transformer. Some appliances have a 110/220 switch or are compatible with either set up, but the switch
is sometimes not easy to find (some desktop computers).Consider purchasing a (heavy)
220/240V//110/120V voltage converter from your country of origin for use on demanding outlets that
feed into multiple and important items such as your home computer/light switch/television. Make sure to
check all your electrical and electronic appliance documentation before plugging in and switching on or
you might end up with a very expensive piece of junk! In addition, due to the expense of electricity, most
Roman homes are not equipped with as many kilowatts, therefore you may find you have to unplug some
“power suckers” in order to plug in others. Dishwashers, microwaves, air conditioning units, and clothes
dryers are common culprits of power outages, so it is helpful to know where your breaker box is and how
to reset the switches.
TV, DVD
The Italian system for TV is PAL, while in the US they use NTSC. If you buy a DVD
player things get a bit more complicated, since there is the PAL or NTSC problem, as well as different
region codes: Europe is region 2, the U.S region 1. If you want to watch all your DVDs, make sure you
get a multi-system AND a multi-region one.
Dryers (Asciugatrice)
Do not search for the clothes dryer in your rented furnished apartment: Italians simply never use
them! If you are desperate to get one, there are only two types on sale in Italy, either vented or
condensation. The vented type requires a hole in the wall, window or door to the outside. Careful with
your rented apartments! Condensation types are easier to install, but they work on regular electricity not
on gas, so make sure you get one that is energy friendly.
If you wondered why Italian supermarket display 10 sq meters or more of liquid fabric
softeners (ammorbidente) soon you will know! Very hard (calcium-based) Roman water, (see below)
along with the intense sun create towels that stand up on their own and really cry out for a lot of
ammorbidente. Not surprisingly, fabric softener sheets for the dryer are not available in Italian
supermarkets.
Calcare/Lime Scale
Tap water in Rome, although safe to drink, is very hard (has lots of minerals in it,
especially calcium). It is normal to experience problems with calcium deposits or calcare, as the Italians
call it. Do not use tap water to fill up your steam iron or other appliances that require water fillings, but
instead purchase acqua distillata or demineralizata (distilled water) from your local supermarket. Adding
a decalcifier to tap water does not really work as well.
22For your electric coffee maker, use bottled mineral water that says acqua oligominerale, which
means very low in mineral contents as distilled water is not fit for drinking.
To help fight mineral build-up on the heating element of your washing machine try using Calfort
powder, liquid or tablets every wash, the powder goes in with the detergent, the tablet with the clothes. It
will not affect the color of the wash.
The dishwasher has a special compartment where you may add Sale Per Lavastoviglie, which
will have to be refilled as needed (usually one packet every couple of weeks). Use it, together with the
brillantante (Finish is a good brand), to have your dishes sparkling clean.
If you are looking for a product to remove calcium stains or build-up from faucets and
showerheads, or from any other metal surface, try Viakal in the plastic blue squeeze bottle, or Smac
(check bottles to mention anticalcare on the label). You can also use simple white vinegar and some
elbow grease, if you want a more natural and environment–friendly product.
Mommy, how do you say notebook in Italian?
This is a question you might be addressed with very often. Here is a list of how to say in Italian what
your children will find in their School Supply Lists:
● lined notebooks = quaderni a righe
● notebook with squares = quaderno con quadretti
● A4 size ring binder with dividers = classificatore A4 con divisori
● supply of lined or plain A4 paper = fogli rigati o semplici
● folder for carrying homework papers = una cartellina rigida per compiti
- safe scissors = forbici (con punte arrotondate)
- eraser = una gomma da cancellare
- pencil sharpener = un temperamatite
- pencil case with pencils, markers, wax crayons = un astuccio con matite,
pennarelli, pastelli a cera
- blue , black, red pens = penne blu, nere, rosse
- centimeter ruler = un righello
- calculator = una calcolatrice
- glue stick = uno stick di colla
- diary for homework assignment = un diario
- book bag/backpack = uno zaino
- protractor = un goniometro
- compass = un compasso
Loose – leaf paper (fogli) and binders in Italy are a different size called “A4” and have four holes.
You cannot get US-standard (8.5” x 11”) replacement paper in Italy.
Library Resources
After the apartment is found, internet access organized, and your favorite café bar decided upon, the next
question is: “Where do we get English language books and films in this wonderful city?”
23AOSR High School and Elementary School Libraries
The HS Library has approximately 5,000 reference volumes. Together with the ES Library, the total
books in the lending stacks number 25,000. In addition, there are monthly magazine subscriptions and
technological help with internet access and color scanners. Parents have donated entertainment DVDs as
well, allowing teachers to borrow entertainment DVDs to which they might not otherwise have access.
The ES Library has age-appropriate literature for the Pre-K to Grade 5 student. These books are
available for loan to families as well!
St. Patrick’s English-Language Library (formerly Santa Susanna Catholic Church Lending Library)
Recently reopened in its new location at the Saint Patrick’s Catholic American Church of Rome on Via
Boncompagni, N.31, near the US Embassy and the Via Veneto, this Lending Library offers an oasis to
English readers and keeps a regularly updated selection of American and British book titles. Other
subjects include a large selection on Italy, biographies, romances, mysteries and thrillers. The library is
open to people of all nationalities and religions. You must join the library, with memberships available
for three months (27.50 euros), six months (35 euros) or twelve months (45 euros), with an additional but
returnable deposit of 40 euros. The hours, terms of lending and directions can be found on the
website: www.stpatricksamericanrome.org/index.php/parish-ministries/library
The British Council
Located at Via Quattro Fontane #20, the British Council media library has a large collection of videos
and some DVDs, which can be rented for one or two weeks. They have an extensive Shakespeare
collection, including BBC productions and rooms of linguistic study resources for teachers of English.
The cost for full annual borrowing privileges is €80. More info is available at
www.britishcouncil.org/it/italy-english-rome-sac.htm tel. 06-478141
Other Libraries and Resources
The two following libraries have extensive collections but do not have lending privileges. Research can
be done in the reading rooms.
1) The American Academy on the Gianiculum Hill (tel 06-58461) has a 130,000 volume
collection of classical studies, art and architecture. They have two reading rooms, one of which was
designed by acclaimed American architect and alumnus, Michael Graves.
2) The Centro per Studi Americani (National Center for American Studies) on Via Caetana near
Largo Argentina is a beautiful building and a great tourist destination as well.
The British Council and the American Academy both have cultural evenings including “meet the
author” usually in English or Bilingual English/Italian. The American Studies Center also hosts seminars
and “meet the author” evenings, usually in Italian.
Bookstores
For younger readers the Bibli Bookstore (www.bibli.it, Italian only) in Trastevere hosts a story hour
every Sunday afternoon, sometimes in English. It has a cinema, a live music venue and a tea room.
The Lion Bookstore on Via dei Greci, 33 near the Spanish Steps is run by AOSR alumni. They have a
wonderful selection of new English language titles and a gallery/exhibition space. Tel. 06-3265-4007.
Feltrinelli International on Via V. E. Orlando (Piazza Repubblica) and the Almost Corner Bookstore
near the Spanish Steps also have good English non-fiction and fiction collections for sale. The Little
Reader is a unique bookstore for children in central Rome- Via Conte Verde, 66.
24Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for appointing the Head of School, strategic
planning, and approving the annual budget.
The objective of the AOSR Board of Trustees is to advance the school's mission by selecting,
evaluating and supporting the Head of School, planning strategically for the school's long term
well-being and sustainability as an institution and securing the resources necessary to operate and
perpetuate the school. Abstaining from any engagement in day-to-day school operations, the AOSR
Board, like other private, independent, and international school governing boards, delegates management
to its only employee, the Head of School, who is the Executive Officer for the Board and responsible for
implementing Board policies and, in turn, for the school's curriculum, personnel and programs.
The Board adheres to standards of good practice in governance established by the school's
accreditors and other international organizations such as ECIS, AAIE, and NAIS in how it goes about its
work. This includes exercising fiduciary oversight of institutional performance. All trustees are skilled
and recognized specialists in fields identified as necessary for the sustainability of the school. They serve
as volunteers without compensation in any form.
The AOSR Board of Trustees currently consists of 12 voting members plus the Head of School
who is a non-voting member. Twelve trustees are elected to a three-year term and may serve at any given
time for a maximum of two consecutive terms. Up to six trustees may be appointed to the Board
annually. The Board of Trustees meets approximately six times per year. Faculty representatives are
invited to attend open sessions.
AOSR Board of Trustees 2018-2019
● Dr. Norman Barth, Chair
● Dr. Hilary Link, Vice Chair
● Mr. Cynthia Chaplin, Secretary
● Ms. Francesca Assumma
● Ms. Martina Battistich
● Ms. Georgia Chrysikopoulou
● Mr. Mauro Ghilardi
● Mr. Martin Hohe
● Mr. Martin Jellousheg
● Mr. Nazzareno Todini
25AOSR Board of Trustees Committees
● Executive
● Finance
● Development
● Governance
● Campus Enhancement
● Security (Physical and Cyber)
● Technology
● Sports Facilities and Advancement
To contact the AOSR Board of Trustees, please write at aosrboard@aosr.org.
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